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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Houston Dynamo: Final Score 2-1 as Lions Blow Early Lead

Lions’ skid reaches six matches.

Published

5 years ago

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Orlando City led early but couldn’t keep the ball in the second half and eventually succumbed to pressure, losing 2-1 to the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Stadium. Dom Dwyer’s early goal was canceled out by strikes by Alberth Elis and Christian Ramirez just three minutes apart in the second half, as Orlando (9-14-9, 36 points) made it six straight games without a win (0-3-3). Houston (11-16-4, 37 points) got its third result in six matches under Davy Arnaud.

Orlando fell to 1-2-2 against the Dynamo in the all-time series and 1-2-0 in Houston. The loss, coupled with New England’s draw, doesn’t quite officially eliminate the Lions from the postseason but a whole lot of chaos would need to ensue for the miracle of a playoff berth to materialize.

James O’Connor’s side played a 4-3-3 with playmakers Nani and Mauricio Pereyra on the wings and Dwyer up top. Will Johnson returned to the midfield with Cristian Higuita and Sebas Mendez. Kamal Miller took over at left back with the three usual starters on the back line — Robin Jansson, Lamine Sané, and Ruan — in front of Brian Rowe.

It didn’t take long for the Lions to get on the board. Orlando City scored its earliest goal from the start of the game all season just six minutes into the game.

Higuita was chopped down by Oscar Boniek Garcia, giving Orlando a free kick to the right side. Pereyra made a gorgeous delivery and Dwyer headed it back across the grain inside the back post to make it 1-0.

It was Dom’s second goal in as many games and both were on headers. It was also the first goal that an Orlando player has scored in this series. Previously, the only goal for the Lions was an own goal by Tyler Deric in 2015. Orlando City had been shut out in each of the last three meetings entering tonight.

There were other actions in the remaining 39 minutes of the first half aside from Houston corner kicks, but it might not have seemed like it. The Dynamo racked up corner after corner, finishing the game with a 13-5 advantage in that category.

Despite that, the Dynamo weren’t very menacing on those corners. One ended up fizzing through the six in the 13th minute and any touch would have put it in the net, but it went out the other side.

Dwyer smashed a shot with power in the 20th from just outside the area that forced a save from Joe Willis. The striker was Orlando’s only real threat all night, firing five of the team’s seven shot attempts and getting all three of the team’s shots on target on the evening.

Rowe’s outlet sprung a 25th-minute counter, with Nani getting down the left flank. He tried to cross into the middle for Ruan, but the defense got a touch on the cross to snuff out the chance. Houston came right back down and Jansson had to block a shot from Mauro Manotas at the other end.

Orlando fashioned a couple of half chances before Houston won a free kick on a soft foul by Sané — and nearly scored on it. A cross to the back post cleared Miller and found Maynor Figueroa, who headed one toward the near corner. Rowe made a good reaction save to keep it out in the 37th minute.

That was the last good opportunity for either side in the opening period and the Lions went into the locker room with their slim lead.

Houston led in shots (5-3), although both team got two on target. Orlando held 53% of the possession, with much of that just taking the air out of the game and kicking it around the back and not really doing much meaningful in the attacking end. The Lions were slightly more accurate in passing (87%-86%).

Bad news came at the break as the television broadcast announced that Higuita was suffering from his tricky adductor muscle and would need to sub off early in the second half.

Orlando tried to double the lead in the 50th as Pereyra was sent on essentially a one-man counter attack. Nani joined him late and Pereyra tried to thread the captain through on goal but a hustling play by DaMarcus Beasley broke up the play at the last second.

Dwyer did some emergency defending in the 55th minute on a set piece, clearing a shot off the line.

Shortly thereafter, O’Connor was forced to make two changes due to fitness. Higuita was replaced by Carlos Ascues and Tesho Akindele came on for Pereyra, as both starters were laboring. But the biggest change was Houston introducing Memo Rodriguez for Tommy McNamara, and the young Dynamo attacker changed the complexion of the game with his quickness and creativity.

The warning signs started before the subs, as Orlando was unable to break out of its own end. Balls were fired forward to an outnumbered Dwyer, Houston recycled, and the Dynamo came forward to apply pressure again and again. It wasn’t sustainable and eventually the breakthrough came.

Elis beat Miller to a cross from Ramirez and headed it home to make it 1-1 in the 70th minute. The play began with a sliding challenge by Sané and the ball pinballed out to Ramirez on the left. His cross was perfect and Elis didn’t miss.

Rowe saved Mendez some embarrassment in the 72nd minute after the Ecuador international turned the ball over in his own end. Rodriguez fired and Rowe was there to stop it. But the Dynamo took the lead a minute later anyway.

Houston had a long clearance that fell perfectly for the Dynamo to break. Manotas made a nice move to lose Ruan, then crossed over to Ramirez for a tap-in while Jansson defended air on the goal line.

Dwyer had the best opportunity to pull Orlando back level in the 77th minute. Nani fed a through ball and the striker had a tough angle — on his weaker right foot — but he smashed one hard at the net to force a save from Willis.

Dwyer then headed the ensuing corner kick cross over the bar but he did well to even get something toward the net on the play.

From there, the Lions just lacked the final bit of quality and Willis came up big. Ascues sent a curling shot through the area that Willis was able to save. The rebound fell for Ruan, who also saw his shot save but that part of the play was ruled offside with Dwyer in front of goal.

Nani sent a free kick toward goal in the 84th but Willis got down to make the save and held on as Dwyer closed in. A minute later Chris Mueller checked in for Mendez but that was too little, too late. In the 89th minute Miller sent a great ball up the left for Akindele, who crossed in for Dwyer, but the pass was just off and the defense recovered. Akindele saw another cross smothered by Willis and Dwyer had a shot blocked and that was that.

Houston out-shot the Lions (15-7), and had more shots on target (6-3). remarkably, Orlando held more of the possession (52%) but little of it seemed to be in the attacking half. Both teams passed at an 86% rate.

Orlando now has to win its final two games and get lots and lots of help. Any point by New England would eliminate City from the playoffs. But I wouldn’t put any money down on the Lions getting through with the team now having gone six straight without tasting victory.

The Lions continue on the road next Sunday when they make their first trip to play FC Cincinnati.

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Orlando City

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Toronto FC

Get the inside scoop on Toronto FC ahead of Saturday’s match.

Published

6 hours ago

on

April 26, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Another Orlando City matchday is almost upon us, and the Lions will try to extend a four-game unbeaten streak Saturday night and finish off an undefeated month of April. OCSC will do so back in the comfortable confines of home, as Toronto FC travels south for the first of two games between the teams this season.

A visit from Toronto means I caught up with Tomas Karageorgos of Waking the Red. As usual, he was very helpful in bringing us up to speed on TFC ahead of the upcoming match.

This is John Herdman’s first year in charge of Toronto. What sort of style does the team play under him?

Tomas Karageorgos: John Herdman plays a variation of a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation that prefers to build plays out of the back. Herdman also relies on his center midfielders to win possession back and push the ball to either flank. German striker Prince Owusu’s constant pressure on opposing defenses has caused some turnovers in TFC’s favor. Owusu’s style of play has not only helped his teammates but himself as well — he has scored five goals in the club’s last six matches.

Run me through some of the additions and departures that took place during the off-season. Who are some new faces to keep an eye on?

TK: The four major additions that the club made was signing defensive midfielders Deiby Flores and Matty Longstaff; Canadian fullback Richie Laryea is back for a third time; and Irish center back Kevin Long. Flores has been described as a dog in the sense of not being afraid to get stuck into tough challenges. Longstaff was signed from Newcastle United and is beginning to play consistent minutes — he still has room to grow as he’s a young player. Long was signed from Birmingham City and has been a rock in the center of the back three. A strong aerial presence and calmness has helped to contribute to Toronto’s six clean sheets across all competitions this season. There’s not much to say about Laryea that hasn’t been said, he’s arguably the best defender in MLS when healthy. Another underrated signing was French defender Nicksoen Gomis from Sheffield United, he has had quiet-yet-consistent performances. Notable departures include Salvadoran goalkeeper Tomás Romero, Norwegian striker Adama Diomande, and club legend Michael Bradley, who retired at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

TFC has quite the list of injured players at the moment. Who has been filling in for the missing faces, and how have they looked?

TK: Lorenzo Insigne, Richie Laryea, and Shane O’Neill continue to miss action due to thigh injuries. Midfielder Brandon Servania is slated to return during the middle of the season as he is recovering from knee surgery. First overall draft pick Tyrese Spicer has filled in for Insigne and has two goals in his account for the club — he has a high work rate on both sides of the ball. Canadian youngster Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty is gaining more experience on the right side while Laryea is sidelined. Gomis and Sigurd Rosted have been taking turns covering O’Neill, and Alonso Coello is continuing to build on an impressive first season with the club in the absence of Servania.

Which players will be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, etc.? What is your projected starting XI and score prediction?

TK: The names I noted above who are injured will be unavailable. Also, attacker Deandre Kerr is listed as questionable.

Predicted starting XI: Sean Johnson; Nickeson Gomis, Kevin Long, Sigurd Rosted; Tyrese Spicer, Alonso Coello, Deybi Flores, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty; Jonathan Osorio, Federico Bernardeschi, Prince Owusu.

Score prediction: 1-1. 

Thank you to Tomas for his insight into Toronto FC. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/26/24

Orlando City gets ready for Toronto FC, Thiago Silva linked with Orlando, Marta announces international retirement, and more.

Published

9 hours ago

on

April 26, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

I don’t know about you, but I sure am glad it’s Friday. It’s been a bit of a brutal week for me, but the weekend is nearly upon us, and I plan on spending it with my family for my dad’s birthday. I’m also hoping to find some time to read the new book that came out this week from my favorite author, Emily Henry. For now though, let’s enjoy these links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Prepares for Toronto FC

After a shaky start to the season, the Lions are unbeaten in their past four games and can make it five when they host Toronto FC Saturday night. Toronto has lost three of its past four games, but is coming off of a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution. In the time since Oscar Pareja took over as head coach, Orlando City has won six of its seven games against Toronto. It will be the first meeting between the two with John Herdman at the helm of Toronto, so we will see if the trend of recent Orlando dominance continues. It should be a great game and is another opportunity for the Lions to climb up the table.

Thiago Silva Linked With Orlando City

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva’s contract with Chelsea ends this summer and Orlando City was mentioned as one of many reported clubs interested in signing him. Beyond the surface-level facts that Silva is an incredibly talented defender and Orlando City is a popular landing spot for South Americans who want to play in MLS, the move would not make much sense. The club signed David Brekalo this off-season and Rodrigo Schlegel is a solid option off the bench as well. Even if Orlando does want Silva, there will be plenty of competition. Returning to Fluminense is the expected choice, but Silva could stay in Europe or make the move to Saudi Arabia.

Marta Will Retire From National Team After 2024

Orlando Pride star Marta announced that 2024 will be her last year playing for Brazil. You will need a translating tool for more of the details from her interview with CNN, but she spoke on how she’s at peace with her decision to stop playing at the international level once the year is over. She made her international debut in 2002 and has since played in five Olympics for Brazil. Marta may play in her sixth this summer, and there would be global attention to see one of the greatest players ever to lead Brazil one last time. Her contract with the Pride also ends after this season, but only time will tell if this is her final season in Orlando.

Orlando’s Academy Teams Get Results Against New England

With the Generations Adidas Cup behind them, Orlando City’s U-17 and U-15 teams earned some important points against the New England Revolution’s youth squads. The U-15 team dominated New England in a 4-1 result that included a hat trick from Jakob Garcia. The match between the U-17 sides was a closer affair, as they split the points in a 1-1 draw. Orlando’s teams will play again tomorrow, with a pair of home games against Nashville SC.

Free Kicks

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to ensure a victory over Toronto FC Saturday at home?

Published

1 day ago

on

April 25, 2024

By

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

After a successful, four-point road trip, Orlando City returns from Montreal to the friendly confines of Inter&Co Stadium to face one of the other Canadian clubs, Toronto FC. The Lions are hoping to add to a four-match unbeaten streak. A win offers the opportunity to take another step up the standings.

What does Orlando City need to do to secure all three points at home against Toronto FC?

No Early Mistakes

In the last three matches, Orlando City has conceded the first goal of the match. Worse than that, each of those goals happened within the first 21 minutes. Yes, coming from behind for two draws and one win is good, but not giving up those early goals may have meant three wins instead.

Last season, Orlando City’s defense was good. We didn’t see nearly so many mental mistakes by the defense, especially so early in the match. What is frustrating is that these mistakes were seemingly preventable. The back line, the defensive midfielders, and Pedro Gallese need to tighten up in the early going so that the Lions are not chasing the match so early on.

Take Advantage of Tired Legs

Toronto FC played a match against Simcoe County Rovers in the Canadian Championship tournament on Wednesday. I’m in no way saying that Toronto trotted out their first choice lineup for the match, but even if only some of the players got a run out, that could create some tired legs for the match against Orlando. Add in the travel from Canada to Florida on short rest and it could be good news for the Lions.

If the Lions can possess the ball and make Toronto FC chase them, or if Orlando can get the first goal (see above) so that Toronto is chasing the match as well, it might pay dividends in the second half. Orlando City is good enough in the passing game to do so, though it will be interesting to see whether Martin Ojeda rejoins the starting lineup or if Nico Lodeiro gets the nod again.

One Down, Two to Go

Facundo Torres was the first of Orlando City’s three Designated Players to score a goal in the regular season. While it didn’t come in the run of play, it might still spark him to add some more since he usually starts slow and then catches fire at about this point in the season. Of course, both Luis Muriel and Ojeda contributed to the scoring against Montreal. Muriel drew the penalty that Torres took, and Ojeda provided the assist to Ivan Angulo.

Now it is time for either Muriel or Ojeda — or both — to join Torres on the scoreboard. Standing in their way will be a good keeper in Sean Johnson. So far this season, he has allowed seven goals and has 22 saves, with three clean sheets. Muriel seems to be getting closer to scoring with each shot taken, and Ojeda has missed some close ones. If all three of Orlando City’s Designated Players can start scoring regularly, this team will become dangerous quickly.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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